by C. H. Spurgeon
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Being Seven Discourses Upon Isaiah 61:1–3
HEAVY heart, this book is meant for thee. He who sends forth this volume knows the heart of a mourner by a kindred experience, and is most anxious to be a “son of consolation” to the sorrowing. This little volume is meant to scare the night-raven, of which Milton tells us that it sits “where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings.” By most men it is known as Religious Melancholy, but we call it by the older and more scriptural name of Mourning in Zion. By whatever name it is called it is none the more pleasant, for truly—
“Its gloomy presence saddens all the scene,
Shades every flower and darkens every green;
Deepens the murmur of the falling floods,
And breathes a browner horror on the woods.”
To meet the sadness of the heart we have taken a prescription, not from Galen or Hippocrates, but from the great gospel prophet, Isaiah; and its one and only ingredient is Christ Jesus himself, who is anointed to comfort the distressed in heart, and fulfils his office by giving himself to them to meet all their needs. The sermons “which make up this book are full of Christ Jesus, the consolation of Israel; and if, in any degree, they cheer the desponding, it will be entirely due to himself, their object and their theme. He is to mourning hearts—
“Sweet as refreshing dews or summer showers
To the long parching thirst of drooping flowers.”
No heart, however broken, needs any balm but Jesus to work its perfect cure. Sorrows, which like Noah’s flood, drown all, are soon assuaged by a word from his lips. Get him and keep him, O bruised and bleeding heart, and thou art healed. For broken hearts the broken-hearted Saviour died, and for them he lives and pleads. Look to him, mourner, and the black horror of despair shall end.
-----
Table of Contents
Preface
The Anointed Messenger and his Work
The Proclamation of Acceptance and Vengeance
Gracious Appointments for Zion's Mourners
Beauty for Ashes
The Oil of Joy for Mourning
The Garment of Praise
Trees of Righteousness